Manila, Oct. 22 -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has expressed the military's gratitude to Australia for its efforts in promoting regional peace and stability, as well as for strengthening defense cooperation with the country.

Brawner made the remark following his meeting with Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Marc Innes-Brown, who paid him a courtesy call on Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, according to AFP in a statement.

"(Brawner) expressed his appreciation for Australia's steadfast support and enduring defense cooperation with the Philippines," the AFP said.

"He acknowledged Australia's significant contributions to advancing regional peace and stability, and reaffirmed the AFP's ...